Senior Maths Challenge

Senior Maths Challenge

Gifted mathematicians at The Sixth Form College, Solihull were in competition with their peers last week in the Solihull heat of the national Senior Team Mathematics Challenge.

Held at The Sixth Form College, Solihull, nine teams of the best mathematics students from local schools and colleges tackled a series of demanding mathematical challenges for over three hours. The competition was organised jointly by the Further Mathematics Support Programme and the UK Mathematics Trust and sponsored by Rolls-Royce plc.

King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, King Henry VIII School, Bromsgrove School, St Peter’s RC School, Tudor Grange Academy, Myton School, The University of Birmingham School and Solihull School joined in the competition. The aim of the competition is to provide a stimulating and enjoyable challenge for 16-19 year-old mathematics students by focusing on problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.

The Sixth Form College, Solihull team consisted of two first year students and two from the second year of the A level Mathematics course. They were Rishi Sharma, Alex Miller, James Neill and Ethan Harris.

Isabel Cooper, the organiser of the Solihull Heat, commented:

“The students did very well. They didn’t feature in the top 3, but they participated with good spirit and represented the College very well. The mathematical problems they were facing involve highly advanced maths and they were up against other very gifted mathematicians. All the students who participated enjoyed the event, which we were delighted to host once again.”

At the end of the three rounds of group problem-solving, team cross-number puzzle and mathematical relay race, the overall winners were the team from Warwick-based school Myton School, who will go on to the national final in London on 7 February 2017. The competition is now in its 11th year and attracts over 1200 teams from schools and colleges from around the UK.

This event follows hot on the heels of the Senior Maths Challenge, which took place earlier in November. 34 Maths students from the College took part in this national individual competition organised by the UK Maths Trust. Five students achieved a gold certificate, seven got a silver certificate and 15 students achieved the bronze award. 3 people – Adam Clark, Aaron Drinkall and Rishi Sharma – qualified for a further invitation-only competition called the “Senior Kangaroo”, which takes place in December.